Our hearts beat for young adults affected by cancer every day. On September 27, 2015, we’re gonna make them pound.
The Climb started back in 2000 as a way for Geoff to celebrate his “first steps” after acute myeloid leukemia tried its best to kill him. Each year, he headed up Signal Hill in St. John’s with fellow survivors, caregivers, schools, community groups, and supporters. Our supporters held events around the world in places like Japan, Australia, and Ireland. In 2009, this event became an integral part of our annual Survivor Conference, and we kind of stopped doing it with the greater community. That all changes now.
So, what is the Climb?
The Climb is a fundraising event based on overcoming challenges with a supportive community. In this case, it was inspired by Geoff’s goal to walk to the top of Signal Hill after his treatment left him unable to walk at all. Geoff writes, “First and foremost, it is about miracles and the ‘never quit’ spirit. As most of you know, I am a living miracle… I also happen to have determination and a support network of family and friends.”
This “never quit” spirit empowered Geoff to start a charity — now known as Young Adult Cancer Canada (YACC) — dedicated to helping young adults live and love life after a cancer diagnosis. YACC raises the funds required to host their face-to-face and web-based programs such as Retreat Yourself, Retreat Yourself Adventure, Survivor Conference, the Big Cancer Hook-up, one-on-one support, youngadultcancer.ca, and an active and varied digital community.
There is no other group in Canada focused solely on this demographic, and these programs have helped thousands of young adults figure out new paths when cancer sets up roadblocks, connect with peers who understand what it’s like to have cancer in your 20s and 30s, and empower them to help others who are in their shoes. We get it, and we want to do more.
You can help
Sign up to join us on Signal Hill on September 27 and know the money you raise is directly improving the quality of life for young adults affected by cancer in Canada.
If you aren’t able to be with us in St. John’s, NL but still want to help, you can do that by sponsoring a Climber, or hosting an event of your own! Email [email protected] for more information on setting up another location.
This event was a huge part of helping YACC hit its 15th birthday back in June, and we are so stoked to invite you out again. We look forward to seeing you again, and for the first time. Learn more!
